Mount Kailash Tours

FAQs and Travel Tips for Mount Kailash Tours

• When is the best time to visit Mount Kailash?

  The best time for a Mount Kailash tour is from April to October, covering the spring, summer and autumn seasons on the plateau.

  During spring and autumn, the weather is warmer even though it is still cold at the high altitudes. With clear sky, strong sunshine, and dry air, these seasons are ideal for trekking Mount Kailash and enjoying the finest views of this region has to offer around the year.

  In summer (July and August), during the rainy season, one can still visit Kailash and Manasarovar, the rainfall is not very heavy in this region of Tibet. Summer also brings more humid air and higher oxygen level, making it easier to acclimatize to the high altitude and arid environment of the plateau.

  Winter could be an impossible time to visit Mount Kailash, since heavy snow will block the trekking trail and road to the mountain. It is also extremely cold at that time.

• How to get to Mount Kailash?

  As the most popular option among tourists, one can travel overland from Lhasa to Mount Kailash via Shigatse and Saga. The road condition from Lhasa to Mount Kailash has been greatly improved, and most sections are well-paved and asphalted.

  The road trip will be much smoother than you expect even though it is a long drive of about 1300 kilometers. On the way to Mount Kailash, you can also take in other must-sees of Tibet, like Yamdrok Lake, and Everest Base Camp.

  Alternatively, one can also get to from Kathmandu by overland via Gyirong. This is a shorter route of about 782 kilometers, but the first part from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet border is a poorly-conditioned rugged mountain road.

  If there is no other choice but to enter Tibet from Nepal, you can also take a flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu, and then travel the way to Mount Kailash from Lhasa.

• Will I suffer from altitude sickness during the Mount Kailash trek?

  Altitude sickness will always be a big concern for many tourists to Tibet, especially when it comes to the higher Mount Kailash region. The summit of Mount Kailash is at 6638m and the average altitude for trekking this mountain will be over 4500 meters, with the highest point at 5630m (Dolma La Pass). But there is no need to get over-worried, since it is normal for most people to feel uncomfortable after ascending above 3000m.

  The key to avoiding severe altitude sickness is to get acclimatized at lower elevations before you start your climbing. In this way, we suggest you spend two or three days in Lhasa (3656m) for leisurely sightseeing, and then travel from Lhasa to Mount Kailash following the gradually rising altitude.

  Also, during the 3-day Kailash kora trek, it is recommended to drink more water and ascend slowly. Keeping yourself warm and avoiding getting cold is also essential.

  Besides, a thoughtful and responsible local Tibetan guide, like those from our agency, can also help you great when dealing with troublesome situations during the trek.

• What are the permits to prepare for Mount Kailash tour?

  There are totally four permits one need to obtain for a Mount Kailash tour, namely Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit, Foreign Affairs Permit and Military Permit.

  The Tibet Travel Permit is a must for any foreigner to enter Tibet and the prerequisite to obtain other travel documents for a Tibet tour. The other three permits are necessary for you to visit Mount Kailash.

  All the permits for the Tibet Kailash tour can only be obtained through an authorized tour operator, and we can help to arrange the application on your behalf. Just book your trip with us to enjoy permit application service.

• Can Indians travel to Mount Kailash?

  Indian passport holders must apply for a Tibet Travel Permit via the Foreign Affairs Office of TAR or the Pilgrim Center. Only these two authorities can arrange your Mount Kailash trip in Tibet. Any other travel agencies are not allowed to receive Indians visiting Ngari.

  With years of experience operating Mount Kailash tours, we are happy to address any of your travel concerns and provide professional guides and tips. Feel free to contact us.

• What to pack for a Mount Kailash tour?

  (1) Clothing: Given the high altitude and fluctuating temperatures in Ngari, prepare for cold weather with warm undergarments and easy-to-wear, wind-resistant outerwear. Sturdy hiking boots are essential, and consider portable trekking poles or renting locally. Choose a properly sized backpack or hire a porter. Sun protection is crucial, so pack high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

  (2) Personal Essentials: Don't forget skincare products such as face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, body lotion, and hydrating masks. Considering the long car journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash, a neck pillow can provide extra comfort. Additionally, a thermal flask ensures you have access to hot water whenever needed.

  (3) Basic Medications: Be sure to pack plasters, motion sickness pills, cold medicine, stomach medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, eye drops, altitude sickness medication, and other essential medications for immediate needs. Always follow medical advice and avoid excessive use of medications.

  (4) Electronic Gadgets: Bring along your phone, camera, headphones, chargers, and power banks according to personal preferences.

  (5) Cash and Bank Cards: While mobile payment methods are increasingly common in Tibet, some places may still require cash. It's wise to carry a small amount of cash and at least one bank card.

• Where to stay overnight during the Mount Kailash trek?

  Throughout the 3-day or 4-day Mount Kailash trek, accommodations are provided in guesthouses situated at different monasteries along the route. These guesthouses offer relatively basic lodging conditions, featuring rooms with 3-4 beds and shared bathrooms on the same floor. Additionally, it's worth noting that shower facilities may not be available, hence it's recommended to bring wet wipes for basic cleanliness requirements.

• What to eat during the Mount Kailash trek?

  Along the trekking route, you'll find open-air tented restaurants and monastery dining halls serving straightforward fare such as fried noodles, fried rice, and offering hot water, sweet tea, butter tea, instant noodles, and other basic items. Furthermore, supply shops at rest stops may stock biscuits, sausages, beverages, beer, bottled water, and instant milk tea for convenient snacks.

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